Erudia, also known as the Gentle Smile, the Great Sun, or the Old Sun, is the goddess of the sun of Hazeron. Her domains are growth, prosperity, and light. Her symbol is commonly depicted as a circle with four triangles spaced around the perimeter. She is often associated with the number 1, and the color yellow. Some accounts state that she is the mother of all the gods, but many do not believe this, and statements from other gods seem to contradict this idea.
Many believe that Erudia is the oldest god, while others believe that she exists as a foil to Noph, but the latter belief is less widely held. Many models of the multiverse place her at the conceptual beginning of the plane Adzeredish, as the creator of all things. Many religious sects and churches, most notably the Church of Fectovarano, condemn this belief, as it belittles the power of the other gods.
Description
Appearance
There are no accounts of Erudia ever taking on a physical appearance, choosing instead to manifest in the way of miracles and great signs. Still, this has not stopped artists from attempting to depict her, and she is often visualized as a large, motherly figure with long, curling golden hair. Occasionally she is drawn as a sun with a face, although most followers would agree that this is a rude depiction.
Personality
Erudia is one of the more enigmatic gods, and tends to keep a fair bit of distance from the world. Only rarely does she ever directly intervene in worldly affairs, such as in times of great crisis. During these times, her intervention is generally benevolent, which has led many to see he as a kind god.
Belief and Systems
Erudia's alignment is considered to be true neutral. As she appears to reward those who grow things, many believe that her goal is to nurture life in the world, with no other grand designs.
Pacts
It is possible to be granted power by Erudia through constant prayer and devotion. Those who endeavor to sow seeds of life and cast light over darkness can receive powerful blessings from the Old Sun. Orders of paladins and clerics worshiping Erudia are present throughout the world, though these are rarely centralized. Usually, they travel across the world, blessing crops and protecting communities from invaders. Having a cleric of Erudia pass through your farm when your crops have been failing can be a life saving miracle.
Devotees
She is often worshiped by farmers, and many people that choose to worship other gods often pay respects to her as well. Even those who might be more prone to evil can be found worshiping Erudia as somewhat of a utility, as her favor can increase crop yields and help civilizations grow strong.
The largest concentration of devotees make their residence in the Exatled Earth, a series of islands in the northwest of Atavar. This is considered the holy land of Erudia.
Commandments
- Grow, grow up above the clouds and meet the Sun.
- Low, low should your roots dig into the earth.
- Sow, sow the seeds of renewal and prosperity.
Holidays
There are a number of holidays associated with Erudia, but few that are practiced worldwide; by and large, communities will generally tend to be insular with their worship of the goddess, crafting their own holidays to suit their needs.
Tieryn Somnus - a period of worship and feasting, one of the only widespread holidays of Erudia.
Legends
Prison of the Sun
Ancient story murals from long before the Age of Iron and Chains in temples scattered across the Exalted Earth depict Erudia trapping a strange, writhing dark entity in a cage made of her sunlight. It is possible that long ago, Erudia intervened in a more proactive way than she does now.